Michigan Condominium Act

Document Amendments May 6, 2019

MCL 559.148: How to Relocate Unit Boundaries Under the Michigan Condominium Act

Michigan condominium associations and co-owners should be aware that the boundaries of condominium units are not necessarily fixed and may be changed provided that certain requirements are satisfied under the Michigan Condominium Act, MCL 559.101, et seq.  By way of example, a single co-owner may purchase adjoining condominium units in a traditional attached condominium and desire to relocate the boundaries…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement April 16, 2019

Court Rules that the Michigan Condominium Act Permits Bylaws to Allow for an Association to Recover Attorney’s Fees for Defending a Lawsuit

In Stadler v Fontainebleau Condominiums Association, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued April 11, 2019 (Docket No. 343303), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that the plain language of the condominium bylaws permitted the condominium association to recover attorney’s fees and costs for successfully defending a co-owner’s lawsuit.  The court further held that the condominium bylaws were enforceable…
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Animals & Pets April 4, 2019

HOA Violates the Fair Housing Act by Denying a Service Animal in the Clubhouse

In Sanzaro v Ardiente Homeowners Association, et. al., Docket No. 2:11-CV0-1143-RFB-CWH, 2019 WL 1049380 (D Nev, March 5, 2019), a federal court imposed a judgment of $350,000 in compensatory damages, $285,000 in punitive damages and awarded the plaintiffs attorney’s fees and costs against their homeowners association.  Based upon the facts of the case, the court determined that the homeowners association…
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Document Amendments January 4, 2019

Amendment to the Marketable Record Title Act puts Michigan Restrictive Covenants at Risk

On December 31, 2018, SB 671 was enacted into law, via 2018 PA 572, in order to amend the Michigan Marketable Record Title Act. SB 671 was a lame duck bill that may have drastic consequences for Michigan condominiums and homeowners’ associations in the future.  Based on the amendment to the Michigan Marketable Record Title Act, in certain circumstances, Michigan…
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